LIFE PRESIDENT:
ALGY HOARE BEM

Having graduated from Loughborough University, Algy came to Wadhurst in September 1957. As a newly qualified teacher, he joined the craft department in ‘Wadhurst County Secondary Modern School’, now 'Uplands Academy'. A brass player since the age of eleven, he wanted to join a brass band, but there wasn’t one in Wadhurst, so he joined Mayfield Band. He also played with a small group in Burwash called the 'Thirsty Eight', but that’s another story.

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At school, some pupils were members of the Salvation Army band. With these players, he formed a group performing in school assemblies. Soon, other pupils expressed an interest in playing, forming the foundation of a small band, which grew and grew. Amazingly, many old instruments were found in attics and barns etcetera. Eventually, the Parent and Teachers Association purchased a full set of second-hand instruments to allow the band to expand. Following this, the band began performing at concerts, local village fetes and receptions... anywhere music was needed.

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In 1970, Algy was granted a year’s study at Trinity College of Music, London. During that year, George Mallion of the Salvation Army was able to teach his pupils, moreover continuing to do so when Algy returned to school. Both Alg and George held lunchtime and after school rehearsals; their efforts resulting in a complete brass band. This was the first brass band in a State School in East Sussex.

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It was time for a youth band to be formed including ex-pupils. New instruments were needed and the band began to raise funds to buy these. It took 20 years to fund enough instruments for the band. 

 

In 1984, the band became the Wadhurst Brass Band.

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Algy retired from conducting after 60 years at an emotional and celebratory Christmas Concert in December 2017. In a unanimous decision by band members, he was made Honorary Life President.